Legislation Proposed for Speed Limit Laws Near Ill. Schools

There is no mistaking Illinois for Kansas when it comes to driver behavior around children, state Rep. Elaine Nekritz says.

"I grew up in Kansas. Everybody slowed down for school zones,'' said Nekritz, a Democrat from Northbrook who has lived in Illinois for about 30 years. "I don't have that sense here.''

Nekritz is sponsoring legislation, which she expects will come up for a vote this week in the Illinois House, aimed at strengthening the 20 mph speed limit around schools to reflect the reality that vehicle-pedestrian crashes involving children don't occur only during school hours.

Illinois' current school-zone law requiring the reduced speed limit is in effect on school days and only during regular school hours, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.